Keeping abreast of the news it would be easy to hang one’s head, becoming overwhelmed with the violence, war and killing. 

But due to the passion of one incredible lady, founder of the peace festival Jean Hearn, Northern Tasmania has this week showed the difference every individual can make – by taking responsibility in their own community. 

As Jean-Charles Crave, featured in this week’s Nations of Tasmania series (Page 8), said, “I work for the alcohol and drug service and I see a lot of very damaged people and my philosophy is I do what I can on a local level in the community and I'm happy with that.

“I do my bit but I can’t do any more.”

If only everyone took this approach perhaps there would be fewer bad things on which to report. Because after all, the world is made up of many, many small communities. 

If we all make a commitment to be better people in our own worlds, if we become the people who care, who extend a helping hand, then every community would have a chance to transcend conflict. 

But to do this, we first need to cast aside our assumptions, prejudices and fears and be prepared to meet people with open hearts. 

If we assume we know someone’s story, who they are or what they think and believe based purely on the colour of their skin, or their country of origin or religion then we can never meaningfully connect and build community with them. 

If there is one thing I have learnt speaking to people from all walks of life it’s that everyone is their own person, with their own unique thoughts and beliefs – regardless of what labels we might attach to them.